Senior benefits in Cherokee County, Iowa

Connections Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and family caregivers in 20 counties in southwest and western Iowa, including Cherokee County. Its Information and Assistance specialists and Options Counselors help people find and apply for benefits such as Medicare Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, Medicaid, SNAP food help and LIHEAP energy help. Other services include case management for people age 60 or older who need help with at least two daily activities (such as bathing or dressing) so they can stay at home, senior center meals and home-delivered meals for people 60 and older, caregiver support and respite options, free Medicare counseling through SHIIP, and Solution Options for Seniors (S.O.S.), which helps pay for home repairs or changes for people 60 and older who own their home or live with a caregiver. Call toll free 1-800-432-9209. The Council Bluffs office (231 S. Main St.) and Sioux City office (2301 Pierce St.) take walk-ins Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; the Creston office (109 N. Elm St.) is by appointment.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

In Cherokee County, Mid-Sioux Opportunity takes applications for LIHEAP, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP makes a one-time payment to your heating company to help with home heating costs, no matter what fuel you use. Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify; both owners and renters can apply. The program runs November 1 to April 30, and elderly and disabled households can apply starting October 1. A qualified head of household is also protected from natural gas or electric shut-off during the winter moratorium, normally November 1 through April 1. Apply online or at the Mid-Sioux office at 921 South 2nd Street, Cherokee (phone 712-225-3322), or call the main office toll free at 800-859-2025.

Estimated bill savings: $80–$800 a year

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) lists an office for Cherokee County at 322 Lake Street, Cherokee. This office is by appointment only. Phone: 712-262-3586 or toll free 866-536-2749. Income Maintenance for Cherokee County is handled by the Clay County office (712-262-3586 or 866-536-2749), and social services by the O'Brien County office. Iowa HHS says you can apply for SNAP food benefits and for Medicaid health coverage, including Medicaid for older adults and people with disabilities, at your local HHS office. You can also apply online through the Iowa HHS Benefits Portal, or apply for Medicaid by phone at 1-855-889-7985.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Cherokee Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is the hospital in Cherokee. If you cannot pay for your care, have no insurance, or both, contact the CRMC Business Office to talk about options; Financial Assistance applications are on the CRMC website. The Business Office can also work out a payment plan. Call the CRMC Business Office at (712) 225-1504.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Siouxland Regional Transit System (SRTS), run by SIMPCO, is the regional public transit system for Cherokee County. It gives demand-response rides to the general public, including people with disabilities, on ADA-accessible buses with wheelchair lifts. Rides run Monday to Saturday, 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (closed on major holidays). Reserve at least 24 hours ahead by calling 712-279-6919 or toll free 800-881-2076. Within city limits, fares are $4 one way for curb-to-curb service or $7 one way for door-to-door service; outside city limits, add $0.50 per mile. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. SRTS is also an approved Medicaid and Medicare transportation provider.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year

The Cherokee County Commission of Veteran Affairs is the county veterans office. The Cherokee County Department of Veterans Affairs is an advocate for veterans, their dependents and survivors, helping them get the county, state and federal benefits they have earned. The office phone also takes text messages. Visit the office at 520 W. Main St., Lower Level, Cherokee (Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 to 4:30; Tuesday and Thursday by appointment), or call 712-225-6319.

Estimated cash: about $0 a year